“Checkpoints serves as an invaluable tool for staying connected, not only with my class, but also for keeping grads, parents and other interested folks abreast of the happenings in the entire Academy community. Would I change anything? Yes, I would increase it to six times a year. It’s an invaluable connection for our alma mater. I’ve saved most of them.”
Strengthening bonds
Support Checkpoints
Case for supportFrom its beginning in 1971, providing regular updates about recent graduates who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War, to the current 136-plus-page, full-color magazine, Checkpoints stands as the U.S. Air Force Academy’s premier communication tool telling the story of the Academy and the ever-growing Long Blue Line.
The Checkpoints team travels the nation, and sometimes the world, to bring readers compelling stories that inform and inspire the graduate community and cadets. Each quarter, the Checkpoints team plans and executes another edition that brings readers together to learn about fellow graduates and be inspired by the commands, innovations and service-oriented endeavors that inspire pride in the institution.
Opportunities for support
$300,000: Endowment for story assignment travel budget
This endowment will generate support to:
- Ensure the Checkpoints team’s ability to travel to where graduates live and work, gathering stories of inspiration and pride to share with fellow alumni.
- Provide funding for two to three trips per magazine issue so the writer, photographer and videographer can create the best possible stories.
$2 million: Named endowment for the managing editor
This endowment would provide annual support to:
- Plan and coordinate the content for each edition of the award-winning alumni publication.
- Gather and edit stories, submissions, death notices, Class News items and more.
- Work with the print vendor to produce and distribute the magazine to subscribers around the world.
- Finalize and upload the digital version of Checkpoints.
$6.2 million: Named endowment for print production
This endowment would provide annual support to print and deliver Checkpoints, including:
- Printing on high-quality paper, which helps maintain the excellence graduates have come to expect.
- Maintaining historical page counts to provide available space for important stories and information.
- Expanding the distribution of the magazine to all graduates who opt in to receive a physical copy.
- Mailing under the Publication rate of USPS, necessary to send the magazine to graduates around the globe.
**Other options: **
Class or individual named endowment for print production of one issue per year, $1.6 million; Named endowment for printing costs only, in perpetuity, $4.85 million
Part of our legacy
Every three months, U.S. Air Force Academy graduates and their families receive the newest edition of Checkpoints in their mailboxes or inboxes. The magazine allows each member of the Long Blue Line to reconnect with their alma mater, find out what classmates are up to and get a booster shot of Falcon pride.
When the magazine arrives, many immediately flip to the back of the publication to read the Class News section, catching up on marriage announcements, promotions, retirements, travel reports, deaths and more. Checkpoints showcases valuable content including:
- Inspirational profiles about leaders of character making a difference in the Air Force and Space Force, in the defense industry, in business and beyond
- Remembrances recounting the storied history and heritage of the Air Force Academy
- Stories and updates about cadets developing as the leaders our Air Force and Space Force require and making the most of their four years at USAFA
- Articles documenting the Academy’s ongoing evolution as it prepares the next generation of warfighters for current and emerging global challenges.
Additionally, Checkpoints provides space for the graduate community to offer feedback and suggestions through the expanded and highly read letters-to-the-editor section. Graduates also engage with Checkpoints video features available on YouTube.
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Humble beginning
The first CheckpointsIn the early years of the Association of Graduates, the alumni organization generated a simple four-page newsletter and mailed it to its 4,000 active members to maintain connection with the graduate community. To catch up to the Army and Navy alumni organizations who were producing magazines at that time, the Association of Graduates began publishing the new Association of Graduates Magazine in 1971. The name of the magazine eventually changed to Checkpoints in the summer of 1979.
“Checkpoints is more than just a magazine; it’s a lifetime of information and inspiration. It highlights the successes and contributions of alumni, offering a sense of shared identity and accomplishments. This communication channel is invaluable as it not only acknowledges the past, but also keeps us informed about opportunities, events and current advancements and activities ongoing at our Academy. It strengthens our connection with our alma mater and each other, reminding us that we are part of a dynamic and supportive family.”